#OTRHoopsReport: What we learned-St. Francis vs. NCC-Jan. 15, 2015

2016 PG Kobi Simmons helped carry St. Francis (GA) to a win last night

Game Recap

Alpharetta, Ga. – St. Francis is one of the most talented teams in the country as they feature multiple Division I players on their roster. The backcourt is led by play-creators Malik Beasley and Kobi Simmons.  Post players Josh Coleman and James Banks command the block on a nightly basis.  Kaiser Gates is most versatile chess piece for the Knights as coach Cabral Huff can move him all across the court.

The Knights had their hands full on Tuesday evening as they faced Kendall Crute and his North Cobb Christian crew. Beasley and Simmons exchanged baskets throughout the game carrying St. Francis into the fourth quarter with a sizable lead.  Being down as many 10 points late in the fourth quarter did not phase Ohio University signee Kendall Crute as he got red hot. His two long range bombs cut the lead to just a single point with :14 seconds left in regulation.  The Eagles would have their chance to win the game after a pair of missed free throws by the Knights however Hunter Ware’s pull-up jumper would fall off of the mark.

Both teams are battle tested after playing a tough pre-region schedule.  This mid-January showdown shows that these two teams are poised for deep runs in the state playoffs when February rolls around.

 Here is our latest OTRHoopsReport.com eval on Malik Beasley:

This 6-foot-4 shooting guard has been one of the most consistent players that I have seen this season. He has long arms, great length, and is a deceptively explosive athlete.  Beasley has the ability to score a variety of ways from anywhere on the floor. He has become a consistent jump shooter from the perimeter. He also has the ball-handling abilities that enable him to put the ball on the deck and get to the basket for finishes at the rim. If this play carries over into the summer Beasley could become one of the hottest guards in the class of 2015

Shun Williams is the owner of On the Radar Hoops, Inc. The On the Radar Hoops Report is picked up by Division I and II colleges and universities across the country. He serves as the director of the On the Radar Hoops Fall Showcase, On the Radar Hoops Spring Showcase, On the Radar Hoops Invitational, Elite 32 Session I, Elite 32 Session II and Power 24